For the second year running at the Cushionbed British Showjumping Scope Festival, Sam Hutton won the National 1.30m title riding For A Smile.
“This proved a pretty hot class, but she is so quick away from a fence, and then she is always looking forward to the next. We are having a brilliant week,” said Sam, who won the gents championship with Astral 57 on Wednesday evening.
Sam collected a hat trick when partnering Kerry Grimster to win the Cats & Pipes pairs challenge.
A turn inside to the double secured victory in the Blue Riband championship for Paul Barker, riding Rosemary Hetherington’s Lux Fabulous.
“It was a tight cut, but I knew he had the scope to jump through it,” said Paul.
Fresh from their success at Netley Hall, where they qualified for HOYS, Jessica Hewitt and Barnee Rubble showed their rivals a clean pair of heals to clinch the National 128cm title.
Yet again, a twisty jump off track asked plenty of questions, but Jessica put the pressure on from an early draw. “The aim was to set a good standard,” she said.
Local rider Danielle Brown claimed her first championship win in Bingley Hall when the agile Cuddly Colin raced round to head the National 138cm final.
“This was a good flowing course where we could keep moving,” said Danielle.
Charlie Dawson took the top honours in the progressive championship where Francus and Destavelars Misty took the top two places.
“We have been knocking on the door for a win all week, so I’m glad it has come in a final,” said Charlie who steered inside routes all the way.
Charlotte Jose secured victory in the under 16 championship after Frannie answered every question over a testing jump off course.
“We debated about some of the turns, but she has a long stride so I decided to keep moving,” said Charlotte, who was having only her eighth outing with her Swedish-bred mare.
Simple tactics paid off for Sophie Holliday and Westerhofs Limit in the National Discovery championship.
“We started off fast, and finished faster,” said Sophie who inched ahead of Beth Austin and Zeester to win the championship.
Championship results: 2 September
Independent Asset Management pony progressive. – 1 & 2, Francus & Destavelars Misty (C Dawson); 3, Lahinch Katie (R Simmons). The Old School Bamburgh National 128cm. – 1, Barnee Rubble IV (J Hewitt); 2, Coco Can (T Byrtt); 3, Rapidash II (R Murphy). Jane Pownall National 138m. – 1, Cuddly Colin (D Brown); 2, Some Kinda Mr Wonderful (J Hewitt); 3, Little Miss Ebony (L Aitkenhead). SJA Services National under 16.– 1, Frannie (C Jose); 2, Willow The Whisp III (K Leonard); 3, Ullabaloo VI (P Stronge). Equissage National Discovery. – 1, Westerhofs Limit (S Holliday); 2, Zeester (B Austin); 3, ZarondaII (M Boddy). Compass Marine Fuels National 1.30m.– 1, For A Smile (S Hutton); 2, Gibside Smokey Joe (J Smith); 3, Lavaletta II (M Armstrong). Sport Horse Classic Blue Riband. – 1, Lux Fabulous (P Barker); 2, Wilando B (E Stoker); 3, Ardenteggle Poltarf (S Platts). Cats & Pipes pairs challenge.– 1, Top Limit (S Hutton) & All Rise (K Grimster); 2 Ballyhope (L Brown) & Ballyknock Lad (J Smith); 3, Toetie (L Glendinning) & Wyoming (T Page).
Don’t miss H&H’s full report from Scope in next week’s magazine
